Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Penn State students who have spent the last year dedicating countless hours to support a fantastic cause benefiting pediatric cancer patients. I am talking about THON. This yearlong fundraising effort culminates in an annual 46-hour dance marathon to financially and emotionally support more than 4,500 families with children who are battling cancer. THON was founded in 1973 by Penn State fraternities and sororities. What began as a small fundraiser bringing in $2,000 in its inaugural year has flourished into a campus-wide effort with more than 16,000 student volunteers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This year, Penn State students raised $11.7 million, and, to date, students have shattered records and raised nearly $180 million, making THON the largest student-run philanthropic effort in the world. Of course, their dedication is to be applauded, but ask any Penn State student and they agree: THON isn't about them; it is about the children and the families fighting cancer. Over the years, THON has supported more than 4,000 families with a child battling pediatric cancer. Patients are treated at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and because of THON, many of these families never receive a medical bill. THON is for the kids, and it is for the families to focus on celebrating more birthdays, piano recitals, science fairs, graduations, and every other milestone that a child should celebrate without fear.…”